Poikiloderma is a skin condition that consists of areas of hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, telangiectasias and atrophy.
Contents
Poikiloderma is most frequently seen on the chest or the neck, characterized by red colored pigment on the skin that is commonly associated with sun damage.
Health Risks
It is a condition that may present a cosmetic nuisance, yet it poses no health risks on its own.
Pathogenesis
The exact cause of poikiloderma is unknown; however, extended sun exposure, namely the ultraviolet light emitted by the sun, is the primary factor.
Causes
- Rothmund-Thompson syndrome
- Dyskeratosis congenita
- Mendes da Costa syndrome
- Degos-Touraine syndrome
- Diffuse and Macular Atrophic dermatosis
- Hereditary sclerosing poikiloderma of Weary
- Kindler syndrome
- Weary-Kindler syndrome
- Xeroderma pigmentosum
- Injury to cold, heat, ionizing radiation, exposure to sensitizing chemicals
- Lichen planus
- Dermatomyositis
- Lupus erythematosus
- Systemic sclerosis
- Cutaneous T cell lymphomas
Treatment
Albeit difficult, treatment of poikiloderma involves the delivery of multiple wavelengths of intense pulsed light (IPL) to the affected area.
Types include:
References
Poikiloderma Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA